2011 bmw 1-series Model Overview

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Inspired by the iconic BMW 2002 of yore, the BMW 1 Series made what was once quirky and styled it into a modern day performance coupe. The smallest vehicle BMW offers in the U.S., the 1 Series gives you everything the 3 Series does, but in a smaller, tidier package.

The sporty, nimble 1 Series is a perfect getaway vehicle for two. There is a back seat, but it is best suited to storage room and not passengers — especially for a long haul. When the seatback of the front seat almost touches the seat cushion of the rear, you know room is limited.

Unlike most of its BMW kin, the 1 Series remains a simple vehicle with few variants and only two engine options, both of which are 3.0-liter inline sixes, one fitted with a turbo. For 2011, 1 Series buyers now have the option of one more transmission option — BMW’s coveted seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automated manual. There is only one thing we are still waiting for BMW to give us with the 1 Series — an M version — which is in the offing.

There are two big changes in the 1 Series for 2011. BMW has dropped the dual turbocharger; in its place is a single twin-scroll unit. Engine power remains the same at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, but it now reaches peak torque at 1200 rpm. Second is the addition of BMW’s coveted 7-speed DCT transmission which is available for the first time in the 135i.

The 1 Series styling features short overhangs in addition to a squared-off nose and rear end. While some laud it an interesting modern day interpretation of a classic BMW design, others find it frumpy.

The 1 Series is available with a choice of two upholstery options — leatherette or rich Boston Leather. A 60/40 split rear seat is standard. The optional Sport Package includes sports bucket seats with enhanced side support.

For the first time since its introduction, the 1 Series gets BMW’s dual-clutch automated 7-speed DCT transmission. Based off the 3 Series, only shorter, the 1 Series has almost go-cart handling characteristics without the teeth-rattling ride. Having equal power, lighter weight and costing a few dollars less than said 3 Series makes for a serious performance machine.

Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, along with side impact thorax bags and front and rear head curtain bags. OnStar Automatic Crash Response is also standard. Dynamic safety devices include standard traction control and stability control.

2011 BMW 1-Series Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$29,450

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$15,175

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.

Remedy

Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Units Affected

585

Recall ID#13V044000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Consequence

If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Units Affected

516791

Recall ID#14V176000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Consequence

If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Units Affected

156137

Recall ID#13V044000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Consequence

If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Units Affected

516791

Recall ID#13V044000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES

Consequence

If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Units Affected

516791

Recall ID#10V254000 - SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Consequence

THE INSULATION AROUND THE PRE-TENSIONER COULD IGNITE.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.

Remedy

VEHICLES PRODUCED UP THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 WILL RECEIVE NEW FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNITS AND A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS, WHILE VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY 2010 AND MAY 2010 WILL RECEIVE A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Units Affected

31935

Recall ID#16V071000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE INFLATOR MODULE

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be mailed an interim notification beginning March 31, 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2011 BMW 1-Series News and Reviews

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